Photographing people isn’t always easy. Toss in Morocco and it’s almost impossible. Three years ago on my initial visit to this country, one of my first captures was a guy giving me the finger as we entered the medina of Marrakech. That was pretty telling.
When we see people who look and do things different from us, of course we want to take their photo. Especially in Morocco where it’s common to see people dressed in their djellabas and kaftans. But clearly Moroccans don’t like to be photographed, especially by tourists. Is it a Moroccan thing or a Muslim thing that makes them shy away from the camera?
My sources tell me that many Moroccans have photos of themselves, so clearly it isn’t what you read about the camera stealing their soul. I had the opportunity to visit in the homes of several families. One Moroccan family shared their photo albums and another freely took photos of us! The consensus is that it’s all about privacy.
Just like this gal in Chefchaouen…as soon as I raised my camera she immediately used her baking pan to cover her face…(damn…what a great shot that would’ve been!) Here’s an example of having no time to ask for permission. Rounding the corner and in a spit nanosecond a quintessential cultural moment happened and as a photographer…well it’s automatic…your camera meets your eye and you try to capture the moment! <sorry!>
Photographing people really has to do with the approach. While traveling, I see so many photographers that only want the photo and no intentions of interacting with the people. For me, it’s very much both. Like this gentleman in Fez. What immediately drew me to him was a combination of things…the texture of the medina wall, the artistic metal bench, his oversized coat, bright red hat, and that sweet face…
Our eyes connected and I pointed to my camera and he nodded his head yes…a beautiful interaction where he didn’t feel awkward and I skipped merrily away with my capture!
(And yes, I know that smiles and eye contact with men in Morocco can suggest more than what’s meant, but a smile and eye contact just happens with me without any thought. So I just can’t help it.)
This capture was made by “shooting from the hip”…the person had no idea…you have your camera by your waist/hip area, you take aim and hope for the best. This takes lots and lots of practice with your camera.
This gal knew how to work the camera and of course wanted to be paid…which btw…did not happen.
And then of course when you catch people napping…easy peasy!
Or when their mind is totally preoccupied…
Of course shopping always provides opportunities to photography people. They want your money, right? This man was different though…he so enjoyed helping us purchase plants at a greenhouse out in the countryside. I’m sure we made his day as much as he made ours. And yes…more smiles and eye contact. So sweet…he was still waving at us as we drove away…
Obtaining permission from the parent before photographing small children is an absolute must for me. In a country where communication is a struggle, it really is as simple as pointing at your camera and then waiting to see if it’s a go or no go. This language is universal. Oh how I could’ve spent hours photographing these two! And yes, the key chain was a gift.
A totally different experience with this father and daughter. We came across them during our fabric shopping experience in Casablanca. The father saw my camera, but also saw my enjoyment of watching their affection towards each other…I pointed at my camera and took several photos. It was the last frame that really captured the essence of this father-daughter relationship. Who needs words when you have a capture like this?
With the news that Marrakech, Morocco will soon be home to the world’s largest museum devoted to photography…well let’s just say…how interesting! (If you have a moment to check out this link, be sure to listen to the interview.)
Curious…if you’ve traveled to Morocco…would love to hear about your experience photographing the locals?
We’re closing in on this visit to Morocco…one more post coming up with some captures from the countryside and sharing a little more about the Moroccan culture…thanks so much for all of your visits and comments!
A fabulous post, Robin! I’m a big chicken about photographing people I don’t know. I so agree that the approach is the key (BTW, the little child with the love NY key fob is fantastic). Your photos always appear that you’ve made that contact with the individual. There is an intimacy in the eyes. And the clarity of each shot is shocking to me. You are clearly unhurried and comfortable with the experience. All of your work is fantastic. I’m always excited to visit you blog! I feel as though I’ve traveled with you:)
Wow, thanks Elena! Your comments take my breath away! THANK YOU!
As always your photos are fabulous! I love all the colors and the way you capture the people… it’s like we can almost know what they are thinking… love, love, love it and you! Thanks so much for sharing your travels with us. I also love how you explain your photos and what you learned or took away from each experience.
Thanks always from my number one supporter! Love you!
I don’t know of anyone who does this kind of photography better than you, Robin. I pay attention and learn from you!!!
OH, Thank you Ginnie! You’re a sweetheart!
As usual all the pictures are fabulous! But the for me the b/w of the old bald man at the window is absolutely great!!! Such focus and clarity – you don’t just click happily away. That is what sets you apart from lot of us amateurs.
Big smiles and pinting to my camera very often helped to take pictures of people but , as you were pointing out, sometimes there is no time for that. In India a group of women once threw stones and in Paris i was ( almost ) physically attacked. It turned out that the lady was a prostitute etc.
No experience so far with Morocco – or Marrakech where I know that there are many tourists probably taking poctures all the time and people are getting fed up?
I think that one is my favorite too Karen. Thank you always for your kind comments. So appreciated! I so want to hear more about your experiences photographing people. I’ve only had “NO!” so far…no stones thrown or anything physical…YET!
All fabulous pictures, but my favorite is the black and white of the man in the window. You sure have a special gift, my friend. xoxoxo
Thanks my sweet. My favorite one too!
Just totally delightful! My favorite is the shoot from the hip one … you’re good!
Thanks Susan! There’s lots of trial and error and mostly error, ha!
ALWAYS love your portraits. You have such a way with people but I had to laugh a the 1st one of the guy flipping you off. I can’t imagine wanting to go back to a country that is so unwelcoming, but I guess that could be anywhere in the world.
Has to be cultural, because you do connect so well with people with your universal language – your smile. How can anyone say no to you, unless it is cultural?
Never stop, please Robin, never stop. You’re the best!
Love you.
xoxo
Lisa, you’re the best too! Always my cheerleader! Thank you so much!
It is always a pleasure to travel with you. The fabulous pictures you take, the people we meet by you.
You connect to people, that is your gift. I am shy of people, I am afraid I interrupt something you are doing.
The guy with his finger….. LOL…. short of words there (in his case)
Ha! Yes, short of words…that cracked me up! Thanks Astrid!
In your portraits it’s easy to see that you have a connection with the people in front of your lense… but I am camera shy, too, and wouödn’t want anybody to take my picture, so I can understand it completely. Great pictures, as always!
Thanks Katrin! I do love people!